Instant Pot Bread Recipe

Making bread in the Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to enjoy homemade, soft, and fluffy bread without needing an oven. The Instant Pot provides a warm environment for the dough to rise, making the process faster. Here’s a simple Instant Pot Bread Recipe that yields a delicious loaf every time!

Ingredients:

1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This activates the yeast.

2. Mix the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Add the activated yeast mixture, olive oil (or melted butter), and honey (if using). Stir everything together to form a dough.

3. Knead the Dough:

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you have an electric mixer with a dough hook, you can use that to knead the dough for about 3-4 minutes.
If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour (1 tablespoon at a time). If it’s too dry, add a little water (1 teaspoon at a time).

4. First Rise in the Instant Pot:

Grease the inside of the Instant Pot insert with a little olive oil or cooking spray.
Place the dough inside the Instant Pot, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and close the Instant Pot lid (don’t seal the valve).
Press the Yogurt button and set the timer for 1 hour to let the dough rise. The Instant Pot will maintain a warm temperature perfect for the dough to rise.
After an hour, the dough should have doubled in size.

5. Shape the Dough:

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf, depending on your preference. You can also shape it to fit your Instant Pot insert.

6. Second Rise (Optional):

If you want an extra-soft and fluffy loaf, you can let the dough rise again for 20-30 minutes. You can place it back in the Instant Pot for the second rise by turning on the Yogurt function for 10 minutes with the lid closed, but not sealed.

7. Cook the Bread:

Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot insert to create steam.
Place the dough on the trivet (the metal rack that comes with the Instant Pot) or in an oven-safe bowl that fits inside the Instant Pot.
Lower the trivet or bowl with the dough into the Instant Pot insert.
Close the Instant Pot lid (again, don’t seal the valve). Press the Pressure Cook or Manual button and set the time to 30 minutes on high pressure.

8. Check the Bread:

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